NOC 51114: Translators, terminologists and interpreters
Translators translate written material from one language to another. Interpreters translate oral communication from one language to another during speeches, meetings, conferences, debates and conversation, or in court or before administrative tribunals. Terminologists conduct research to itemize terms connected with a certain field, define them and find equivalents in another language. Sign language interpreters use sign language to translate spoken language and vice versa during meetings, conversations, television programs or in other instances. Translators, terminologists and interpreters are employed by government, private translation and interpretation agencies, in-house translation services, large private corporations, international organizations and the media, or they may be self-employed. Sign language interpreters work in schools and courts, and for social service agencies, interpretation services, government services and television stations, or they may be self-employed.
Official Main Duties for NOC 51114
Select the duties you perform in your actual job. Under IRCC guidelines, you must perform at least 60% of these duties for a successful work permit or PR reference letter.
Your employer reference letter must confirm you performed the main actions described in the duties above. Avoid copying words directly from the NOC description — officers expect natural job descriptions with specific company context.
Canadian Labour Market & PR Pathways for NOC 51114
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC 2021 Version 1.0), Translators, terminologists and interpreters is categorized under TEER 1. Occupations in this tier typically require a university degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate) or substantial managerial tenure.
Express Entry Alignment
Qualifies directly for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) under Express Entry. Work experience must be full-time (or equivalent part-time) and continuous for at least one year.
Target Category Status
Currently evaluated under standard General and CEC invitation rounds, or targeted through provincial in-demand lists such as Ontario (OINP), British Columbia (BC PNP), or Alberta (AAIP).
NOC 2016 to NOC 2021 Transition & Equivalency
Under Canada's previous NOC 2016 classification, this occupation was mapped under the following 4-digit code(s). When preparing your Express Entry profile or work reference letters, you must use the new 5-digit code NOC 51114.
Regional Wages Across Canada
Under Canadian immigration law, an employer hiring you under an LMIA must pay you at least the median wage listed below for your province.
| Province / Territory | Low Wage | Median Wage | High Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada (National Average) | $20 | $33.95/hr | $51 |
| Nova Scotia → | $16.5/hr | $30/hr | $39.9/hr |
| New Brunswick → | $16/hr | $30/hr | $42.11/hr |
| Quebec → | $24.62/hr | $36.26/hr | $51.92/hr |
| Ontario → | $20/hr | $25.64/hr | $50/hr |
| Manitoba → | $16/hr | $30/hr | $51.28/hr |
| Saskatchewan → | $21.62/hr | $33.53/hr | $49.75/hr |
| Alberta → | $19.84/hr | $32.28/hr | $55.66/hr |
| British Columbia → | $21.72/hr | $33.55/hr | $54.02/hr |
| Nunavut → | $31.48/hr | $48.77/hr | $70.48/hr |
Employment Requirements
These are the education, training, and certification standards usually required by Canadian employers for this occupation:
- A university degree in translation with a specialization in translation, interpretation or terminology in two languages including at least one of the two official languages or A university degree in a related discipline such as languages, linguistics, philology and courses in linguistic transfer and two years' experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language or Five years of experience as a full-time translator working in two languages, at least one of which is an official language, are required.
- Sign language interpreters require a college training program or a university certificate in sign language interpretation.
- Certification on dossier or by examination from the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC) may be required for translators, terminologists and interpreters.
- Sign language interpreters may require a certificate or certification evaluation in LSQ or ASL.
- Fluency in three languages is usually required for translators or interpreters working in an international context.
- Membership in a provincial or territorial association of translators, interpreters and terminologists may be required.
- Membership in a provincial association of sign language interpreters may be required.
- Use of professional titles may be regulated in some provinces.
Official Job Titles for NOC 51114
42 Titles ListedIf your current job title matches any of these official examples, this NOC code is likely the right choice for your Express Entry reference letter:
Exclusions (Similar Jobs with Different Codes)
Check this list to make sure your actual job is not classified under one of these related codes:
- Authors and writers (See 51111 Authors and writers (except technical))View NOC 51111→
- Editors (See 51110 Editors)View NOC 51110→
- Language school instructor (See 41210 College and other vocational instructors)View NOC 41210→
- Linguist (See 41409 Other professional occupations in social science)View NOC 41409→
- Utility locator (See 74204 Utility maintenance workers)View NOC 74204→
Frequently Asked Questions for NOC 51114 (Translators, terminologists and interpreters)
Essential answers regarding Express Entry eligibility, LMIA prevailing wage compliance, and official reference letter rules.
Check Your Express Entry Score & Latest Cutoffs
Calculate your exact Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for NOC 51114, explore your TEER 1 immigration pathways, and check recent draw cutoffs.